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The Los Angeles Steamship Company, founded in 1920, connected Los Angeles to Hawaii with luxury and efficiency. Known for ships like the SS City of Honolulu, it offered passengers an elegant experience with fine dining, entertainment, and glamorous accommodations. As a pioneer in West Coast maritime travel, the company expanded tourism and commerce between the mainland and Hawaii, becoming a symbol of Los Angeles' rise in Pacific trade and leisure.


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The Catalina Yacht Club, an exclusive retreat on Catalina Island, owes much of its early success to the vision of its founding members, including 16 influential Jonathans. These charter members financed the clubhouse and set a standard of sophistication and camaraderie that defined the club. Nestled in Avalon, the yacht club became a hub for sailing enthusiasts, blending the island’s beauty with a tradition of maritime excellence and social gathering that endures today.


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General Barrett, Jonathan Club member, holding his record breaking tuna caught on rod and reel off the Catalina Coast in 1900. General A. W. Barrett, a distinguished military leader, played a pivotal role in shaping the United States Army's modernization efforts during the 20th century.


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An 1887 tract map of the subdivision of the Rancho San Jose de Buenos Ayres offers a glimpse into Southern California’s growth during a period of rapid development. This detailed map highlights land boundaries and plots within the rancho, reflecting the shift toward settlement and farming. It serves as both a historical record of land ownership and a snapshot of California's expansion, illustrating the region's transformation into a more organized community.


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A photograph of people signing the bill for the 1932 Olympic Games captures a historic moment in Los Angeles's journey to becoming a major player in the world of sports. This image showcases officials and dignitaries engaged in the formal process of endorsing the Games, including Jonathan Club member William may Garland. The signing not only symbolizes the city’s ambition and resilience but also marked a turning point that would elevate Los Angeles's status on the international stage.


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General Moses Sherman was a key figure in the development of Phoenix and Los Angeles, founding the Valley Bank and electrifying trolley systems in both cities. He connected Phoenix’s trolley system to the Santa Fe Railway and later worked to consolidate and electrify Los Angeles's local trolleys. Sherman was involved in large land acquisitions, including the purchase of Tejon Ranch, Porter Ranch, and substantial land in Mexico. He was also a trustee of USC and Pomona College and co-founded the Los Angeles Steamship Company.


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A photograph of the sale on the J.B. Lankershim property marks a key moment in the development of the San Fernando Valley. It captures the shift from large ranching operations to subdivided plots for settlers, contributing to the region’s agricultural and urban expansion. This sale reflects the broader economic changes of early 20th-century Southern California and Lankershim's influence on shaping the Valley and Los Angeles.


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An 1894 drawing by Aubrey Beardsley captures the elegance and intricacy of the Art Nouveau style. Known for its sensuality, theatricality, and macabre elements, Beardsley's work pushed boundaries, reflecting the cultural shifts of the late 19th century. This piece showcases his unique approach, blending beauty with decadence and leaving a lasting impact on illustration and design.


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A photograph of Perino’s Restaurant captures the glamour of mid-20th century Los Angeles. Known for its upscale Italian cuisine and luxurious ambiance, Perino’s was a favorite of Hollywood stars and socialites, serving as a cultural hub. The restaurant’s elegant décor and innovative menu helped shape LA’s dining scene, leaving a lasting legacy in the city’s history.


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A photograph of John D. Spreckels captures a visionary entrepreneur whose impact shaped Southern California’s growth. As a businessman, he transformed industries like sugar and transportation, notably through the Spreckels Sugar Company and the San Diego Electric Railway. His investments, including the Hotel del Coronado, helped establish San Diego as a major tourist destination, earning him the title "Father of San Diego" and leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s history.